Slide system

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides enhanced slide that facilitates efficient and safe access to items stored on upper shelves. Exemplary system according to the present disclosure includes one or more storage shelves support arms which are vertically mounted on one or more horizontal slides. The arms configurations, which are spring biased or track(s) mechanism guided, allows the arms to travel outward, and then when they are blocked by a stop or aliened with a track, to travel downward. In the case where the arms are pivotally mounted on the slides, the slide system produces horizontal and then arcuate movement of the shelves effectively bringing upper shelves to a lower position. When the arms interacting with guide track(s) mechanism, the slide system produces horizontal and then vertical movement of the shelves effectively bringing upper shelves to a lower position A mini dumper wheel controls the speed of the arms while moving from upper position to a lower position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of two co-pending andcommonly assigned provisional patent applications, as follows: U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60-469,186, filed May 12, 2003and entitled “Slide Pivot System” and Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60-489,613 ad entitle “Non Linear Damping Method”, filed Jun.26, 2003. The entire contents of the foregoing provisional patentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference. This application isalso a continuation-in-part application based upon U.S. parentapplication No. 20030189021, filed Feb. 21, 2003 and entitled ShelvingSystem, and U.S. patent application filed Mar. 31, 2004 and entitledRevolving Slide.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Technical Field

This invention generally relates to a slide system that may travelsoutward and downward. Upper shelves, which are mounted on the arms, canbe moved outward and away from lower shelves and downward to an accesslevel position. The lower shelves may be movable upward past the upperstorage area, such that the lower storage area and the upper storagearea trade places to permit the upper storage areas to be easilyaccessed.

2. Background Art

Slides are widely used for displaying and storing items. Sometimesslides are contained within cabinets, armoires, closets, etc., and areconstructed to facilitate access to items stored thereon. In designingstorage, designers must ensure efficient access to stored items. Theheight to which a stack of shelves can extend is typically limited bythe reach of a person of average size. Alternatively, in some casesupper shelves are positioned out of the reach of users and various toolsare provided to permit access to the contents of upper shelves. Forexample, users may be provided with tools that include footstools,stepladder, reach poles, etc. The use of such tools, however, can beinefficient and, in some cases, can contribute to dangerous conditions.For example, people may be injured from falls off of stepladders and/orfootstools. Likewise, the use of reach poles can result in inadvertentknocking and/or dislodging of the desired item or an adjacent item fromthe shelf. In such circumstances, item(s) may be broken or, worse yet,item(s) may fall from the upper shelf, potentially striking and injuringthe person using the reach pole or another person in the vicinitythereof. In addition, such tools are typically a nuisance to have about,can lead to injuries merely by tripping a person, and are frequentlymisplaced or not readily available for use.

In the past, efforts have been directed to providing moveable shelves toaddress the problems associated with fixedly positioned shelves.Examples of previous efforts directed to developing enhanced shelvingsystems, which are disclosed in the patent literature include thefollowing U.S. patents.

-   -   Ochse, U.S. Pat. No. 1,940,877, discloses extension shelving for        display cabinets wherein the shelving may be drawn out of the        display cabinet by means of tracks and rollers, and the shelves        may be tilted to assume a rearward ascending step-wise        arrangement, the lower-most shelf extending forward of the        cabinet and the upper shelves.    -   Snyder, U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,389 discloses a display stand and        expandable shelf for use thereon. The Snyder '389 system        includes a base and a pair of upright shelf supports. The        components of the system are slidably engageable with each other        and conventional fastening means are not required for assembly.        Additionally, the shelves include a portion (80) that can be        extended vertically upward from the remainder of the shelf (70)        to form a step, and other portion(s) (90 and 96) can be extended        horizontally outward from the shelf to form a wider shelf (again        having a step).    -   Brauning, U.S. Pat. No. 4,056,196 discloses a supporting        framework for shelves including crosspieces interconnected with        uprights. The cross pieces can ride up and down the uprights        and, when positioned in a desired location, can be locked into        place by a locking mechanism.    -   Wyckoff, U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,652 discloses a vertically        adjustable work desk that is raised by a force applied by a        lockable gas spring via a first pulley system. A second pulley        system insures that all areas of the work surface are equally        raised.    -   Duff et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,282 discloses movable gondola        shelving for merchandise display having a rolling base that        supports channeled uprights and a center panel. Cantilevered        shelves are interconnected with the channeled uprights by means        of cam assemblies at the rear corners of the shelves. The cam        assemblies allow for the shelves to be vertically adjusted while        the shelves are maintained in a level position.    -   Sugasawara, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,029 discloses a        so-called coat lift hanger for storing coats and/or other        garments in a storage area located at a relatively high position        of a wardrobe or wall in a room comprising a hanger pipe for        removable hanging and storing coats and/or other garments, an        arm capable of being pivotally tilted forward and be returned to        its uprightly standing position for moving up and down said        hanger pipe fitted to its upper end and a rotary lever located        at a relatively low position for tilting and returning said arm.    -   Bustos, U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,862, discloses an assembly for a        cantilevered display header for a gondola display rack that        includes two uprights braced to the gondola display rack in        vertical spaced relation. The header, which defines a light box        that can receive a sign for illumination thereof, is mounted        separately from the shelf and is vertically moveable with        respect thereto for adjusting the height of the header with        respect to the shelf.    -   Vogelgesang, U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,347 disclosed a pull down shelf        assembly for facilitating access to an upper storage shelf. The        storage shelf is movably mounted to a shelf guide track        mechanism for movement between an extended position and a        retracted position. The pull down assembly includes a pair of        arms pivotally mounted to the track mechanism and the mounting        bracket member at spaced-apart locations. This configuration        produces pantographic movement of the track mechanism throughout        an arcuate path between a deployed position and an elevated        stored position while maintaining the horizontal orientation of        the shelf.    -   Duane, U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,846, discloses a storage rack that        includes vertically and horizontally moveable supports. The        storage rack includes plural spaced horizontal supports for        vertical motion. Vertical movement of the rack is powered by one        or more hydraulic cylinders carried in the vertical support        columns, and an associated control mechanism that allows        adjustable vertical positioning of the rack. Horizontal supports        of a compound nature are disclosed which permit lateral        extension to expose material carried on the support element.    -   Hardy, U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,887, discloses an extendable shelf        assembly that includes extender bars having slots and a        cooperating pair of rotatable sprockets that are affixed to an        axle. The sprockets include a plurality of teeth that engage the        slots of the extender bars.    -   Anderson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,821, discloses a vertically        adjustable shelf and support rail arrangement for use in a        cabinet. The shelf arrangement includes a pair of rotatably        mounted rear sprocket members and a driving mechanism for        rotating the sprockets to vertically adjust the shelf within the        cabinet. The driving mechanism can be manually or electrically        powered, and the adjustable shelf may include elements that        ensure that the sprockets are not disengaged from the rails        while the shelf is within the cabinet.    -   Terragni; Ezio, U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,795, discloses an        upwardly/downwardly movable clothes-hanger device which        includes, hanging rod for receiving the hung clothes and hanging        rod support members which are mounted on a supporting surface.        The support members capable of being pivotally tilted forward        from a vertical standing position to a horizontal position such        as a user can easily access to the hanging rod.    -   Rindoks et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,913, discloses a support        arrangement for a furniture system that includes a support        assembly having a pair of standards which extend vertically in        spaced relate. Each of the standards includes two rows of        openings extending vertically in spaced relation. A first        support member may be detachably mounted in a pair of outermost        rows of openings, and a second support may be detachably mounted        in a pair of inner most rows of openings.    -   Santiago, U.S. Pat. No. 6,340,240, discloses a cantilever shelf        support system wherein the disclosed bracket includes a        plurality of forwardly projecting cantilevered male members for        insertion into mating female apertures formed in the shelf.    -   Adam, U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,610, discloses a pull down storage        shelf assembly wherein arms attached to an upper support member        on one end and a lower support member on the other end. When a        handle is pulled forward, the upper shelf rotates to the down        position to provide easy access to items on the upper shelf. A        stop is placed on the side of the upper support members to stop        the downward motion and support the shelf at the optimum working        level.

In addition to the prior art efforts discussed above, the presentinventor has previously disclosed advantageous shelving systems. Inparticular, U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,588 to Engel discloses advantageousshelving systems wherein shelves are provided in a stack arrangementmounted to two or more uprights. The uprights include one or more shelfsupport members, which support the shelves. One or more of the shelvesare movable out from the shelf stack, either by way of a telescopingsupport member, or otherwise, to permit movement of such shelf orshelves to or past a lower shelf. After an upper shelf or shelves aremoved vertically past a lower shelf, the upper shelf or shelves can bemoved back into alignment with the lower shelf. In this arrangement, theupper shelf or shelves may be positioned below the lower shelf to permiteasy access to the upper shelf or shelves (and their contents). Also,the present inventor has previously disclosed advantageous shelvingsystems. In particular, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 20030189021 toEngel discloses advantageous shelving systems wherein shelves areprovided in a stack arrangement mounted to two or more uprights. Uppershelf or shelves are repeatedly moved vertically past a lower shelf andback into alignment with the lower shelf such as that the shelves movedhorizontally and vertically in a revolving manner.

While these assemblies may be adequate to permit access to upper storageassembly, most are deficient for one reason or another. The Vogelgesangand the Hansen pivot down assemblies, for instance, disclose a storagesystem which includes arms support for supporting a plurality of kitchencabinet shelves so that the shelves may pivot outwardly and downwardlytoward the user to an access position. However; to allow the upperstorage shelves to pivot downward, a substantial lower storage shelvesmust be cleared from items. Indeed to minimize the lost of shelvingspace, these assemblies are limited to kitchen cabinets, which aretypically ten inches deep.

Other pivot-down assemblies require substantial floor space to allow theshelves support to pivot downward. The Terragni and Sugasawara patentsfor example, disclose a storage system which includes arm(s) support forsupporting a hanging rod so that the cloths hanged on the rod may pivotabout outwardly and downwardly toward the user to an access position.However, in addition of lost of storage space below the system, asubstantial foot floor space must be also cleared from objects to allowthe upper hanging rod to pivot downward.

In addition, many of the assemblies require an array of springs biasingsystems necessary to raise and lower the shelves. This complex and bulkyassembly is very costly and difficult to use and assemble.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a slidesystem which permits increased access to the upper storage shelves.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a slidesystem which allows upper shelves to travel downward to an accessposition without the loss of lower storage space and loss of foot floorprint space.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a slidesystem which allows upper shelves, when in down position, to remainclose to the lower shelves.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a slidesystem, which allows upper shelves to travel forward horizontally andaway from lower shelves, and then pivot downwardly toward the user to anaccess position.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a slidesystem which allows upper shelves to travel forward horizontally andaway from lower shelves, and then slide downwardly toward the user to anaccess position.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a slidesystem which allows upper shelf(s) to trade place with lower shelf(s).

It is another object of the present invention is to provide a pull downstorage shelf assembly which can be easily and safely operated bychildren, the elderly and handicapped persons.

It is another object of the present invention is to provide a pull downstorage shelf assembly which includes a mini dumper mechanism thatpermit reliable and efficient repositioning and dampening of objects andloads.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an economical dumpermechanism with a dumping distance longer than its piston stroke length.

These and other objectives are satisfied by the revolving slide and theenhanced shelving systems disclosed herein, as will be apparent from thedetailed description, which follows.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention describes two slide systems that allow themovement of storage shelves from an upper position to a lower position.

The first slide includes one or more shelves support arms pivotallymounted on a horizontal slide(s). The slide allows the shelves to moveoutwardly and a way from lower shelves. The arms, however, allow theshelves to pivot downwardly from upper position to a lower position, topermits easy access to the upper shelf or shelves. Further, this slideassembly may include a guide track mechanism to allow upper shelves dotravel vertically downward rather than travel downward in an arcuatepath, and keep upper shelves close to lower shelves when in downposition.

The second slide includes one or more telescopic shelves support armsmounted on horizontal slide(s). The slide allows the shelves to moveoutwardly and a way from lower shelves. The telescopic arms, however,allow the shelves to slide downward and from upper position to a lowerposition to permits easy access to the upper shelf or shelves.

To provide a damper mechanism having a compact size and capable ofabsorbing an extremely high torque, an advantageous dumping systems thatpermit a smooth repositioning of the slide or shelves are disclosed inthe present invention. The dumping system includes a wheel and a damper.The wheel coacts with moving members associate with the slide system orthe shelves systems, e.g. shelves support arms, through cable or rack. Alinear or pivotal motion of the moving members is translated to arotational motion of the wheel. The dumper, which attached to the wheel,controls the speed of the wheel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosedshelving systems appertain will more readily understand how to make anduse the same, reference may be had to the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 to FIG. 1.5 describes the first slide system according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the first slide system, 100, in an upward andretracted position (solid lines) and downward and extended position(broken lines). The slide system includes two arms (103,104) mounted ona slide mechanism 120.

FIG. 1.1 shows a front view of the first slide system (100) in upwardand retracted position.

FIG. 1.2 is a front view of the first shelving system that includes arack of shelves, generally designated 105, mounted on two slide systems(150, 150′)

FIG. 1.3 is a side view of the first shelving system mounted on theupper part of a side wall (112). A rack of lower shelves (105′) mountedon the lower part of the side wall.

FIG. 1.4 is a side view of the first shelving system in a pulled outposition.

FIG. 1.5 is a side view of the first shelving system in a pulled downposition.

FIG. 2 to FIG. 2.5 describes the second slide system according to thepresent disclosure. The second slide is similar to the first one but theaddition of a guide rail and a guide wheel.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the second slide system (200) that includessupport rail (201), roller (202), and two vertical arms (203,204)mounted on the roller. A guide wheel 223 attached to arm (203) andinteract with a guide rail (220).

FIG. 2.1 is a side view of the second shelving system mounted on theupper part of a side wall (212). A rack of lower shelves (205′) mountedon the lower part of the side wall.

FIG. 2.2 is a side view of the second shelving system in a full pulledout position.

FIG. 2.3 is a side view of the second shelving system in a full pulledout and partially pull down position. While the arms are pivotingdownward, guide wheel (223), which is contained by rail (220), pushingroller (202) backward, keeping shelves (205) close to the side wall.

FIG. 2.4 is a side view of the second shelving system in a pulled downposition

FIG. 3 to FIG. 3.2 describes the third slide system according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the third slide system (300). Vertical ballbearing slide (302), which includes a mounting member (304) and arunning member (306), mounted on horizontal ball bearing slide (301),which include mounting member (303) and movable members (305 and 307)

FIG. 3.1 is a side view of the third slide system (300) mounted on aside wall (312). A stack of shelves (307, 308, 309, 310) is mounted onslide member 306.

FIG. 3.2 is a side view of the third shelving-system in an over travelpulled out position.

FIG. 3.3 is a side view of the third shelving system in a full pulleddown position.

FIG. 4 to FIG. 4.5 describes the forth slide system according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG.4 is a side view of the forth slide system (400) where is a verticalslide (402) mounted on horizontal slide (401). Unlike member 306associated with the previous exemplary, moving member 404 is limited bya stop 445 to travel inside member 406.

FIG. 4.1 is a side view of the forth slide system (400) mounted on aside wall (412). A stack of upper shelves (407, 408) mounted on movingslide member (406), and a stack of upper shelves (409, 410) is mountedon back wall (413).

FIG. 4.2 is a side view of the forth shelving system in an over travelpulled out position.

FIG. 4.3 is a side view of the forth shelving system in a full pulleddown position.

FIG. 4.4 is a three dimension view of the forth shelving system in afull pulled out position.

FIG. 5 to FIG. 5.5 describes the fifth slide system according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the fifth slide system (500) where is avertical slide (502) mounted on horizontal slide (501, 520).

FIG. 5.1 is a side view of the fifth slide system (500) mounted on aside wall (512). A stack of upper shelves (507, 508) mounted on movingslide member (506), and a stack of upper shelves (509, 510) is mountedon back wall (513).

FIG. 5.2 is a side view of the fifth shelving system in an over travelpulled out and pull down position.

FIG. 6 to FIG. 6.2 describes the sixth slide system according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG.6 is a side view of the sixth slide system (600) where is a verticalslides (602, 630) mounted on horizontal slide (601, 620).

FIG. 6.1 is a side view of the sixth slide system (600) mounted on aside wall (612). A stack of shelves (607, 608, 609, and 610) mounted onmoving slide member (606, 636).

FIG. 6.2 is a side view of the sixth shelving system in an over travelpulled out and pull down position.

FIG. 6.3 is a three dimensions view of the sixth shelving system mountedon a side wall and in a pull out position.

FIG. 7 to FIG. 7.5 describes a dumping system according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a dumping system (700) that includes a sprocket wheel (701)and a dumper (702) mounted on a support section (705). The dumper (702)attached to the sprocket wheel at one end (706) and to the support atthe other end (707).

FIG. 7.1-7.3 shows three rotational phases of dumping system 700 wheresprocket wheel rotates clockwise 701 and counter clockwise (arrow A),triggering piston rod 704 moved in and out of pressure tube 703.

FIG. 7.4 shows a side view of dumping system 700.

FIG. 7.5 shows a dumping system 710 which includes two dumpers (712,712′) and two sprockets wheels (711, 711′) mounted on a support section(715). Both dumpers are mounted on the support at one edge (717, 717′),but each of them is attached at the other edge (716, 716′) to onesprocket wheel. The dumper pistons are attached to the wheel at 90degrees relative to each other and the sprocket wheel are coact witheach other.

FIG. 7.6 shows a dumping system (733), which serves as a slide member,mounted on upright support similar to upright support described in FIG.6.3 reference.

FIG. 7.7 shows a dumping system (730), which serve as a pulley wheel,mounted on an upright support similar to upright support described inEngel prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

The present disclosure provides enhanced slides and storage systems and,more particularly, slides that facilitate efficient storage of, andaccess to, a variety of items and products. The disclosed slides permitreliable and efficient repositioning of one or more shelves relative tostorage space, thereby enhancing utilization and efficiencies associatedtherewith. The disclosed slides offer a stable, flexible constructionthat enhances safety for system users and significant economic benefitsthrough cost-effective use of storage space.

Importantly, the slides of the present disclosure are susceptible towide ranging applications. For example, the disclosed slides areadvantageously employed in free-standing shelving systems, e.g.,shelving systems for use in commercial or domestic applications such asretail product displays, warehouse storage, electronic andtelecommunication equipment storage, garage and attic storage, foodstorage, etc. Moreover, the disclosed slides may be advantageouslyemployed within enclosures, e.g., within armoires, closets, storagebins, freezers, refrigerators, kitchen cabinetry and the like. Inaddition, the disclosed “shelves” may take a variety of forms withoutdeparting from the spirit and/or scope of the present disclosure. Forexample, the exemplary “shelves” disclosed herein may alternatively takethe form of hanging rods, drawers, bins and the like. Additionally, thedisclosed slides systems may be manufactured and/or distributed asfree-standing, independent units or as components for use inretrofitting existing shelving unit(s) and/or shelving system(s). Thus,as used herein, the terms shelf, shelves, “shelving system” and“shelving systems” are intended to broadly encompass shelving/storageapplications wherein storage is achieved through vertically spacedstorage elements and wherein efficiencies and/or benefits may beachieved through vertical repositioning of such storage elements.

While the present invention will be described with reference to a fewspecific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the inventionand is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Variousmodifications to the present invention can be made to the preferredembodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the truespirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Finally, the present invention will be described with reference toembodiments mostly comprise of a stack of shelves mounted on one slidesystem in a cantilever manner. However, as seen in some drawingsthereafter, a pair of slide may be used to support stack of shelves.

With reference to the enclosed figures, which depict exemplaryembodiments of slide systems according to the present disclosure,reference is initially made to the exemplary Slide System, generallydesignated 100, that is schematically depicted in FIGS. 1-1.5.

Referring to FIGS. 1, a slide system is comprised of two shelf supportmembers (104,103) pivotally mounted by pins (114, 113) to a slidemechanism (120) which comprise of rail (101) and roller (102). Thisconfiguration produces a linear and a arcuate movement of the shelfsupport members between a retracted and upward position (solid lines),and an extended and downward position (dashed lines). The arms (103,104) and pins location are arranged in such way that the stack ofshelves 105 maintains a substantially horizontal orientation throughoutthis arcuate movement.

In reference to FIG. 1.1, FIG. 1.1 provides a front view of the slidesystem shown in FIG. 1 where the shelf support members are in retractedand upward position.

FIG. 1.2 provides a front view of a shelf system comprises of a stack ofshelves (105) mounted on pair of slide system (150, 150′). The stack ofshelves includes shelf 106 and shelf 107 attached together in a stackarrangement by front legs 110 and 110′ and back legs (not shown) 111 and111′. The stack of shelves are mounted on the left slide system (150)such as leg 110 mounted on shelf support arm 103 by pin 123 and leg 111mounted on shelf support arm 104 by pin 124. In the same manner, thestack of shelves mounted on the right slide system (150′) such as leg110′ mounted on shelf support arm 103′ by pin 123′ and leg 111′ mountedon shelf support arm 104′ by pin 124′.

FIG. 1.3 provides a side view of a shelving system mounted on the uppersection of a cabinet side wall (112), in a way apparent to personsskilled in the art, with the shelves 105 in the upward position. A stackof shelves, generally designated 105′, are also attached to the lowersection of the cabinet back wall (122).

In operation, exemplary shelving system 100 operates to facilitaterepositioning of upper shelves 106, 107 relative to second shelves 108,109 by permitting outward horizontal motion of upper shelves 106, 107past or almost past lower shelves 108, 109 as shown in FIG. 1.4. Whenpulling shelf 107 outwardly a horizontal motion of upper stack shelves105 is accomplished by way of the sliding functionality of the runningmember 102 associated with the slide support member 101. Once stack ofshelves 105 is outwardly positioned, keeping pulling downward shelf 107,a downward arcuate movement of shelves 105 is accomplished by way of thepivotal functionality of the shelves arm support 103, 104 as seen inFIG. 1.5.

Not shown here, various springs biasing known in the art keep arms in anupright position when the shelves 105 is in elevated position and inhorizontal position when shelves 105 is in deployed position. When shelf107 is pulled toward the user and to an access position, the springbiasing means keep the arms 103 and 104 in an upright position whilestack of shelves 105 travels from a retracted position to an extendedposition. Once stack shelf 105 has been fully extended forward, stop 131prevent the running member 102 from further moving forward. At thispoint the springs biasing element will contracted or extended and thestack of shelves 105 will pivot downward toward the user and to anaccess position.

With reference to FIGS. 2-2.4, exemplary Slide System 200 is almostidentical in structure and operation to exemplary Slide System 100. Asseen in FIG. 2, however, two additional components were introduced withexemplary 200. The first component is a guiding wheel 223, which isrotateably attached to shelf support arm 103. The second component is arail 220, which is comprised of rail 221 and 222 and may mounted on rail201.

Referring to FIGS. 2, a slide system is comprised of two shelf supportmembers (204, 203) pivotally mounted by pins (214, 213) to a roller(202). Roller 202 is positioned within rail 201 and travel therwithin.As shown in FIG. 2, a rail 220 or other cooperative structure is formedby rail 221 and 222 and mounted to the rail 201. Rail 220 cooperateswith guide wheel or roller 223, and the wheel is rotatably mounted toshelves arm support 203.

Turning to FIG. 2.1 a side view of a shelf system comprises of a stackof shelves (205) mounted on a slide system is provided. The stack ofshelves includes shelf 206 and shelf 207 attached together in a stackarrangement by front legs 210 and back legs 211. The stack of shelvesare mounted on the slide system such as leg 210 mounted on shelf supportarm 203 by pin 223, and leg 211 mounted on shelf support arm 204 by pin224. As shown in FIG. 2.1, the shelving system mounted on the uppersection of a cabinet side wall (212), in a way apparent to personsskilled in the art, with the shelves 205 in the upward position. As seenin FIG. 2.1, a stack of shelves, generally designated 205′ are alsoattached to the lower section of the cabinet back wall (222).

Unlike exemplary 100, where the upper shelves are first travelhorizontally outward and then arcuately ally downward, as seen in FIG.2.1 through FIG. 2.4, the configuration of exemplary 200 produces ahorizontally outward and then vertically downward movement of shelves205 (FIG. 2.1), and an extended and downward position (FIG. 2.4).

In operation, exemplary shelving system 200 operates to facilitaterepositioning of upper shelves 206, 207 relative to second shelves 208,209 by permitting outward horizontal motion of upper shelves 206, 207past lower shelves 208, 209. As shown in FIG. 2.1, a pair of arms 210,211 maintains a substantially horizontal orientation of stack of shelves205. In addition, a wheel or roller 223, which is rotatably mounted toshelf support arm 210 and is adapted to ride on a rail 220, maintainsthe stack of shelves 205 at an upper position. As shown in FIG. 2.2.,when pulling shelf 207 outwardly a horizontal motion of upper stackshelves 205 is accomplished by way of the sliding functionality of therunning member 202 associated with the rail 201, and by way of guidewheel 223 which runs inside rail 221. After an upper shelf or shelvesare moved vertically past a lower shelf, and when guide wheel 223 alignswith vertical rail 222, the upper stack of shelf 205 can be movedvertically downward in alignment with the lower shelf to permit easyaccess to the upper shelf or shelves. As seen in FIG. 2.3-2.4, avertical rather than an arcuate movement of shelves 205 is accomplishedby way of the engagement of wheel 223 with rail 222. Stated differently,by coacting with rail 222, downward movement of wheel 223 cause shelvesarms (210, 211) to travel backward, thereby permitting the stack ofshelves 205 to move vertically and close to lower shelves.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-3.3, a third exemplary shelving system 300according to the present disclosure is schematically depicted.

As seen in FIG. 3, slide system 300 includes upright support mounted onhorizontal support 301. A horizontal support 301 includes “box-like”beams 303, advantageously detachably mounted to surroundingstructure(s), e.g., walls, cabinetry, adjacent shelving supports, etc.Beam 303 is sized and dimensioned to accommodate horizontal movement ofmembers 305 by ways of a ball bearings member, and members 305 is sizedand dimensioned to accommodate horizontal movement of members 307 byways of ball bearings member. The horizontal telescopic functionality ofsupport 301 allows upright support 302, which mounted on moving member307, to travel along beam 301. The telescopic functionality may beachieved by balls, rollers, wheels, and other ways as will be readilyapparent to persons skilled in the art. Of note, and as seen in thedrawings, it is contemplated according to the present disclosure that aconventional ball bearing drawer slide or any slide available may beused as a horizontal support 311.

A vertical shelves support 302 also includes “box-like” beams 304,advantageously detachably mounted to moving member 307 associated withhorizontal support 301. Beam 304 is sized and dimensioned to accommodatehorizontal movement of members 306 by ways of a ball bearings member.The horizontal telescopic functionality of horizontal support 301 allowsshelves, which are mounted on moving member 306, to travel upward anddownward along beam 304. The telescopic functionality may be achieved byballs, rollers, wheels, and other ways as will be readily apparent topersons skilled in the art. Of note, and as seen in the drawings, it iscontemplated according to the present disclosure that a conventionalball bearing drawer slide or any slide available may be used as avertical shelves support 302.

Thought the drawings depict a “box-like” beams members, alternativecross-sectional configurations are contemplated, e.g., cross-sectionsthat are, in whole or in part, elliptical, trapezoidal, etc., as may bedesired to achieve aesthetic effects and/or to accommodate externalconsiderations, e.g., space constraints or manufacturing efficiencies.

Turning to FIG. 3.1 a side view of a shelf assembly which mounted onside wall 312 is provided. The shelf assembly comprises of a stack ofshelves (310) mounted on a slide system 300. The stack of shelves, whichinclude shelf 306, 307, 308, and 309, mounted on moving member 306associated with upright support 302 with the shelves 310 in the upwardposition. FIG. 3.2 and FIG. 3.3 are also a side view of a shelf assemblywhich mounted on side wall 312 is provided. As seen in FIG. 3.2 and 3.3shelves 310 are in the outward and downward position respectively.

In operation, exemplary shelving system 300 operates to facilitaterepositioning of shelves 306, 307, 308, and 309 to an access position bypermitting outward horizontal motion of the shelves relative to backwall 322, as shown in FIG. 3.2, and vertical movement of the shelvesrelative to horizontal support 301 as seen in FIG. 3.3. Such horizontalmotion of the shelves is accomplished by way of telescopingfunctionality associated with horizontal support 301. By moving firstthe shelves outwardly, members 305 and 306 are travel outward withinbeam 303 such as the shelves over traveled past side wall 312. Oncefirst shelves are outwardly positioned, downward vertical movement ofthe shelves may be accomplished by way of upright support 302. Stateddifferently, outward horizontal movement of the shelves createsclearance relative to lower shelves not shown here or objects locatedbelow not shown here either, thereby permitting the shelves to movedownward to an access position.

A leading wheel and a leading rail, for securing the shelves at upperrest position and guiding them when in motion from upper position tolower position, may be incorporated in slide system and shelving system300 or in other slide system described thereafter, e.g., as disclosed inZackary Engel prior arts such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,588 the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-4.4, a forth exemplary shelving system 400according to the present disclosure is schematically depicted. As seenin FIGS. 4-4.4, exemplary Slide System 400 is almost identical instructure and operation to exemplary Slide System 300. As seen in FIG.4, however, the moving member 406 associated with the upright support404 is shorter than its corresponding member 306 which associated withexemplary 300. Unlike exemplary 300, and as will hereinafter bedescribed, the configuration of upright support 402 allows member 406 totravel only within beam 404.

Turning to FIG. 4.1 a side view of a shelf assembly which mounted onside wall 412 is provided. The shelf assembly comprises of an upperstack of shelves 415 mounted on a slide system 400, and above a secondstack of lower selves 420 mounted on back wall. The upper stack ofshelves, which include shelf 407 and 408, mounted on moving member 406associated with upright support 402, with the upper shelves in theupward position. As will hereinafter be described, lower shelves 420 areshorter than the upper shelves 415 and mounted on the back wall so as topermit the upright support 402 to travel outward and away from lowershelves 420.

FIG. 4.2 and FIG. 4.3 are also a side view of a shelf assembly whichmounted on side wall 412 is provided. As seen in FIG. 4.2 and 4.3shelves 420 are in the outward and downward position respectively.

In operation, the upper stack shelves 415 is moved out in the directionof arrow A from a rest position (FIG. 4.2) along horizontal support 401and in line with the lower shelf 420. By moving the upper shelf 415 outfrom the stack of shelves, the telescoping support 404 is moved out frommember 403, i.e. over-traveled out and past the lower shelf 420. Indeed,the telescoping functionality of element 401 described herein may beachieved through slide elements, e.g., slides that facilitate drawerfunctionality, that are commercially available in the market. The uppershelf 415 is thus drawn out from the stack of shelves sufficiently topermit the upper shelves 415 to move past or in alignment with the lowershelf 420. After the upper shelf 415 is moved outward from the lowershelves 420, it is then moved downward along the direction of arrow B(FIG. 4.3) to move the upper shelf 415 in alignment with lower shelves420 and to a position where it can be accessed. As describe therebefore, upright support 402 facilitates the vertical movement of shelves415. As of note, upright support 402 may be fabricated, at least inpart, utilizing a conventional drawer slide. Alternatively other membersand arrangements of rollers may be incorporated to achieve the verticalmovement of upper shelves 415, as will be apparent to persons skilled inthe art.

Not shown here, this and other slide systems disclosed in the presentinvention may support lower stack of shelves and allows upper shelves totrade place with lower shelves. In this case, this slide includes one ormore telescopic arms which support stack of upper shelves. Thetelescopic arms are vertically mounted on horizontal slide(s) tofacilitate an outward and inward movement of the upper shelves. Thisslide also includes an upright rail to mobilize a stack of lower shelvesupwardly and downwardly by way of a roller. Pulley and telescopic bararrangement connect the stack of upper shelves to the stack of lowershelves such as a vertical movement of the upper shelves causes acorresponding opposite movement of a lower shelf. After an upper shelfor shelves are moved horizontally by way of the slide and vertically toor past a lower shelf by way of the telescopic arms, the upper shelf orshelves may be moved back into alignment with the lower shelf. In thisarrangement, the upper shelf or shelves can thereby become positionedbelow the lower shelf to permits easy access to the upper shelf orshelves.

Specifically, when the upper shelf 415 is moved down, the lower shelf420 may remain in position or may be conversely moved up by means ofpulley arrangements, by other means such as the gear and legarrangement, in a way apparent to persons skilled in the art, or asdisclosed in Zackary Engel prior arts such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,588and U.S. patent application 2003-0189021 the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference. In such case, and as describe inEngel's prior art, the first shelves 415 is lowered past the secondshelves 420, the second shelves 420 are automatically raised past thefirst shelves 415 to effectively trade positions therewith. Thereafter,the first shelves 415 can be raised up, and the second shelves 429automatically lowered, such that the first and second sets of shelvesare returned to their original relative positions.

Turning to FIG. 4.4, a three dimensional embodiment of shelving system475 is illustrated. In this embodiment, a right slide system 450 similarto those in the previous embodiment (FIG. 4.3) is provided with similarreference numerals plus 50. The right slide 450 is mounted on cabinetside wall 462. As seen in FIG. 4.4, the shelving system 460 alsoincludes a left slide system 451′ similar to the right one with similarreference numerals plus apostrophes. The left slide is mounted oncabinet side wall 462′. Finally as seen in FIG. 4.4, upper shelves 465is mounted on both slide system 450 and 450′, and lower shelves 470 ismounted on the cabinet back wall 463.

In operation shelving system 475 is similar to shelving system 400 asdescribed there above.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-5.2, a fifth exemplary shelving system 500according to the present disclosure is schematically depicted. As seenin FIGS. 5-5.2, exemplary Slide System 500 is almost identical instructure and operation to exemplary Slide System 400. In thisembodiment, a slide system 500 is similar to those in the previousembodiment 400 is provided with similar reference numerals plus 100. Asseen in FIG. 5, however, exemplary 500 includes an additional horizontalsupport 521. In this embodiment, the upper horizontal support 521 issimilar to those of the lower horizontal support 520 with similarreference numerals plus 20. The added horizontal support 521 potentiallyprovides enhanced stability to exemplary storage systems shown in FIG.4-4.4.

As seen in FIG. 5, slide system 500 includes upright support 502 mountedon horizontal supports 501 and 521. As seen in FIG. 5, upright support502 and horizontal supports 501 and 521 are similar in configuration andoperation to uprights and horizontal supports describe in prior slidesystems

Turning to FIG. 5.1 a side view of a shelf assembly which mounted onside wall 512 is provided. The shelf assembly comprises of an upperstack of shelves 515 mounted on a slide system 500, and above a secondstack of lower selves 520 mounted on back wall 513. The upper stack ofshelves, which include shelf 507 and 508, mounted on moving member 506associated with upright support 502, with the upper shelves in theupward position. As seen in FIG. 5-5.2, upright support 502 is mountedon members 507 and 527 associated with horizontal support 501 and 521respectively. As will hereinafter be described, lower shelves 520 areshorter than the upper shelves 515 and mounted on the back wall so as topermit the upright support 502 to travel outward and away from lowershelves 520.

FIG. 5.2 is also a side view of a shelf assembly which mounted on sidewall 512. As seen in FIG. 5.2 shelves 520 are in the outward anddownward position.

In operation shelving system 500 is similar to prior shelving system asdescribed there above.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-6.3, a sixth exemplary shelving system 600according to the present disclosure is schematically depicted. As seenin FIGS. 6-6.3, exemplary Slide System 600 is almost identical instructure and operation to exemplary Slide System 500. In thisembodiment, a slide system 600 is similar to those in the previousembodiment 500 is provided with similar reference numerals plus 100. Asseen in FIG. 6, however, exemplary 600 includes an additional uprightsupport 632. In this embodiment, the rear upright support 602 is similarto the front upright support 632 with similar reference numerals plus30. I addition, as seen in FIG. 6, members 607 and 605 associated withhorizontal support 601, and members 627 and 625 associated withhorizontal support 621, are relatively longer than those depicted inprior slide systems so as to support the additional front uprightsupport 632. The added upright support potentially provides enhancedstability to exemplary storage systems shown in FIG. 5-5.2.

As seen in FIG. 6, slide system 600 includes upright support 602 andupright support 632 mounted on horizontal supports 601 and 621. As seenin FIG. 6, upright support 602 and 632 and horizontal supports 601 and621 are similar in configuration and operation to uprights andhorizontal supports describe in prior slide systems Turning to FIG. 6.1a side view of a shelf assembly which mounted on side wall 612 isprovided. The shelf assembly comprises of an upper stack of shelves 607and 608 mounted on a slide system 600, and above a second stack of lowerselves 609 and 610 mounted on back wall not shown here. The upper stackof shelves, which include shelf 607 and 608, are mounted on movingmember 606 and 636 associated with upright support 602 and 632respectively, with the upper shelves in the upward position. As seen inFIG. 6-6.2, upright support 602 and 632 are mounted on members 607 and627 associated with horizontal support 601 and 621 respectively. As willhereinafter be described, lower shelves 609 and 610 are shorter than theupper shelves 607 and 608 and mounted on the back wall so as to permitthe upright support 602 and 632 to travel outward and away from lowershelves 609 and 610.

FIG. 6.2 is also a side view of a shelf assembly which mounted on sidewall 612. As seen in FIG. 6.2 shelves 609 and 610 are in the outward anddownward position.

Turning to FIG. 6.3, a three dimensional embodiment of slide system 650mounted on right side wall 662 is illustrated. In this embodiment, aright slide system 650 similar to those in the previous embodiment 600is provided with similar reference numerals plus 30.

In operation shelving system 600 is similar to prior shelving system asdescribed there above.

Referring to FIGS. 7-7.4, exemplary 700 shows a compact rotary damperwhich are mainly including any sprocket wheel and any damper.

As seen in FIG. 7.1, a sprocket wheel 701 is mounted on a support object705 with a suitable connection as known to those skilled in this art. Amini damper 702 is also mounted on support object 705 by the pressuretube connector 707 and on sprocket wheel 701 by the piston rod connector706, such as the. Importantly, the connection fitting allows thesprocket wheel 701 to rotate, and to the dumper piston rod 703 andpressure tube 704 to pivot.

FIG. 7.4 is a side view of exemplary 700 where a sprocket wheel coactswith a damper.

In operation, and as seen in FIG. 7.1-7.3, when the sprocket wheel 701rotates clockwise and counter clockwise (arrow A), the piston rod 704moved in and out of the pressure tube 703. The movement of the piston704, which displaces a filling medium through a valve system inside thepressure tube, produces the damping force. The dumping force in returninfluence the nature of the rotation of the sprocket wheel 701 and thusreduce the speed of the wheel.

Referring now to FIGS. 7.5, a second exemplary dumping system 710according to the present disclosure is schematically depicted. Using onedumper might leave segments of the wheel rotation with little or nodamping while the piston will be in a transition period from compressionto extension. This can be rectified by the use of two wheels and twodampers with the dampers offset by 90 degrees.

As seen in FIG. 7.5, exemplary 710 includes two dumping system whichcoact together through the sprocket wheels 711 and 711′. Also, as seenin FIG. 7.5, piston rods 714 and 714′ are mounted on sprocket wheel 711and 711′ at 90 degrees relative to each other (dashed lines 719). Asseen in FIGS. 7.5, exemplary dumping system 710 is almost identical instructure and operation to exemplary Slide System 700 seen in FIG.7-7.4. Dumping system 710, which is similar to those in the previousembodiment 700, is provided with similar reference numerals plus 10.Likewise, the additional dumping system, which is similar to the fistone, is provided with similar reference numerals plus apostrophe.

In operation damper system 710 is similar to damper system 700 describedthere above.

Referring now to FIGS. 7.6, a first possible application of the dampersystem is provided. As seen in FIG. 7.6, exemplary dumping system 720 isalmost identical in structure and operation to exemplary Slide System710 seen in FIG. 7.5. Dumping system 720, which is similar to those inthe previous embodiment 710, is provided with similar reference numeralsplus 10. Member 726 represents an upright support such as uprightsupport 654 seen in FIG. 6.3. In addition, member 725 represents a slidemember and shelves support member such shelves support 656 seen in FIG.6.3.

As seen in the FIG. 7.6, two sprocket wheels 721 and 721′ and twodampers 722 and 722′ mounted on the shelves support member 725. Shelvessupport member 725, which is mounted inside upright support 726, iscapable to slide upward and downward by way of wheels 727 and 728 andsprocket wheels 721 and 721′. Gear 725 is mounted on upright support 726and engages with the sprockets wheel teeth.

In operation, and as seen in FIG. 7.6 and prior exemplary, when shelvessupport slide downward sprocket wheels 721 and 721′, which engage withthe rack, rotate. Accordingly, piston rod 724 and 724′ moved in and outof the pressure tube 723 and 723′ respectively. The movement of pistonrod 724 and 724′ produces the damping force. The dumping force in returninfluence the nature of the rotation of the sprocket wheels 721 and 721′and thus permit reliable and efficient repositioning and dampening ofobjects which are load on shelves support member 725.

Referring now to FIGS. 7.7, a second possible application of the dampersystem is provided. As seen in FIG. 7.7, exemplary dumping system 730 issimilar in structure and operation to prior exemplary an need no fartherdescriptions.

1. a slide system comprising: First horizontal support member that canbe attached to said a wall, and said horizontal support member havingfirst horizontal track mechanism for telescopic movement between aretracted position and an extended and over traveled position; Whereinsay first horizontal track mechanism include first horizontal runningmembers mounted on said first horizontal support member Wherein sayfirst horizontal track mechanism include wheels or ball bearing systemsto facilitate movement of said first horizontal running members Firstvertical support member mounted on the first horizontal support, andsaid vertical support member having track mechanism for telescopicmovement between an upward position and a downward and extendedposition; Wherein say first vertical track mechanism include firstvertical running members mounted on said first vertical support memberWherein say first vertical track mechanism include wheels or ballbearing systems to facilitate movement of said first vertical runningmembers Wherein, first vertical support member mounted on said firsthorizontal running members. Wherein said telescoping movement of firsthorizontal running members permits said first vertical support member tomove between extended and over traveled position and a retractedposition Wherein said telescoping movement of first vertical runningmembers permit said first vertical running members to move betweenupward position to downward and extended position
 2. A slide systemcomprising: a first horizontal support member and a second horizontalsupport member positioned in a spaced stack relation, with the firsthorizontal support member positioned above the second horizontal supportmember, each of said first and second horizontal support member defininga horizontal axis, an upper face and lower face; and said first andsecond horizontal support members having track mechanism for movementbetween a retracted position and an extended and over traveled positionWherein say first and second horizontal track mechanism include firstand second horizontal running members mounted on said first and secondhorizontal support member respectively Wherein say first and secondhorizontal track mechanism include wheels or ball bearing systems tofacilitate movement of said first and second horizontal running membersFirst vertical support member mounted on the first and second horizontalsupport, and said vertical support member having track mechanism fortelescopic movement between an upward position and a downward andextended position; Wherein say first vertical track mechanism includefirst vertical running members mounted on said first vertical supportmember Wherein say first vertical track mechanism include wheels or ballbearing systems to facilitate movement of said first vertical runningmembers Wherein, first vertical support member mounted on said first andsecond horizontal running members. Wherein said telescoping movement ofsaid first and second horizontal running member permits said firstvertical support member to move between extended and over traveledposition and a retracted position Wherein said telescoping movement offirst vertical running members permit said first vertical runningmembers to move between upward position to downward and extendedposition
 3. A slide system comprising: a first horizontal support memberand a second horizontal support member positioned in a spaced stackrelation, with the first horizontal support member positioned above thesecond horizontal support member, each of said first and secondhorizontal support member defining a horizontal axis, an upper face andlower face; and said first and second horizontal support members havingtrack mechanism for movement between a retracted position and anextended and over traveled position Wherein say first and secondhorizontal track mechanism include first and second horizontal runningmembers mounted on said first and second horizontal support memberrespectively Wherein say first and second horizontal track mechanisminclude wheels or ball bearing systems to facilitate movement of saidfirst and second horizontal running members First vertical supportmember and second vertical support member positioned in a spacedside-by-side relation, each of said first and second vertical supportmember defining a vertical axis and said first and second verticalsupport members having track mechanism for movement between a retractedposition and an extended position Wherein say first and second verticaltrack mechanism include first and second vertical running membersmounted on said first and second vertical support member Wherein sayfirst and second vertical track mechanism include wheels or ball bearingsystems to facilitate movement of said first and second vertical runningmembers Wherein, first and second vertical support member mounted onsaid first and second horizontal running members. Wherein saidtelescoping movement of said first and second horizontal running memberpermits said first and second vertical support member to move betweenextended and over traveled position and a retracted position Whereinsaid telescoping movement of first vertical running members permit saidfirst vertical running members to move between upward position todownward and extended position
 4. A slide system comprising: Horizontalsupport member that can be attached to said a wall, and said horizontalsupport member having track mechanism for telescopic movement between,retracted position and an extended and over traveled position; Whereinsay horizontal track mechanism include horizontal running membersmounted on s d horizontal support member Wherein say horizontal trackmechanism include wheels or ball bearing systems to facilitate movementof said horizontal running members A pair of arms support pivotallymounted at first ends to said track mechanism of said horizontal supportat spaced apart locations for movement of the second ends of said armsthrough an arcuate path between an elevated position and deployedposition Wherein, said a pair of arms support mounted on said horizontalrunning members Wherein said telescoping movement of said horizontalrunning member permits said pair of arms support to move betweenretracted position and an extended and over traveled position
 5. A slidesystem comprising: Horizontal support member that can be attached tosaid a wall, and said horizontal support member having track mechanismfor telescopic movement between retracted position and an extended andover traveled position; Wherein say horizontal track mechanism includehorizontal running members mounted on said horizontal support memberWherein say horizontal track mechanism include wheels or ball bearingsystems to facilitate movement of said horizontal running members A pairof arms support pivotally mounted at first ends to said track mechanismof said horizontal support at spaced apart locations for movement of thesecond ends of said arms through an arcuate path between an elevatedposition and deployed position Wherein, said a pair of arms supportmounted on said horizontal running members Wherein said telescopingmovement of said horizontal running member permits said pair of armssupport to move between retracted position and an extended and overtraveled position
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 farther including a guidewheel mounted on said arm support and interacts with a guide track forlocking said arms support in a desired position to prevent the armssupports from unauthorized arcuate movement until properly verticallyaligned
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 farther horizontally guiding saidarms support from retracted position to extended position.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 6 farther vertically guiding said arms support fromelevated position to downward position when properly aligned
 9. Theapparatus of claim 6 farther moving said first ends of said arms supportfrom extended position to retracted position when said arms supporttraveling downward
 10. A damper mechanism, comprising: a first rotatingbody with centered opening and a first damper body Wherein said damperbody comprise of piston rod with piston rod connector and a pressuretube with a pressure tube connector Wherein said piston rod, connectorattached to said rotating body and a way from said centered openingWherein said pressure tube connector attached to a support body and away from said rotating body
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein arotational movement of said rotating body initiate an in and outmovement of said piston rod inside said pressure tube.